Nestled in the beautiful Ohiti valley in western Hawkes Bay, Kokako Farms provides some of the best chardonnay and syrah growing conditions in New Zealand. Sitting on the left bank of the Ngaruroro river, the vineyard also benefits from the famed Hawke’s Bay river gravels, which help deliver the rich, full base notes of their Syrah.
The Kokako Farm wines reflect the warmth of great company, the integrity of the land, viticulture excellence and a myriad of regional flavours. Their Unique micro-climate and terroir protects the natural acidity of their chardonnays.
With the first vines planted in 2000, today Kokako Farms vineyards cover 110 hectares of varying soils – and stones. Boutique by design, the Kokako vintages are small and beautifully crafted with hand selected grapes. The majority of each harvest is supplied as fruit to several of New Zealand’s most acclaimed local wine producers.
THEIR VISION
Kokako Farms are driven by a passion to produce the best Chardonnay and Syrah, while ensuring wines which reflect the essence of our wonderful river valley in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay region.
“Growing excellence… To be responsible for Hawkes Bay’s BEST chardonnay – Lofty goals but well within our reach. Either with our own brand or with one of our growing list of amazing winemakers we want you to think Ohiti and Kokako when great chardonnay is mentioned.”
Kokako Farms operates on Biological and sustainable farming practices. This foundation is based on a comprehensive approach to farming and viticulture that aims to reduce chemical reliance whilst growing food of the highest nutrient densities. Their wines reflect this healthy, vibrant approach. Their chardonnay grapes are also found in the wines of Tony Bish and Collaboration Wines.
The Valley – Where The Elements Meet The Vine.
Their story begins in the ancient riverbeds of the Hawke’s Bay region. Photos in their gallery captures the unique spirit of the Ohiti Gravels—a rugged, stony landscape that provides the perfect thermal footprint for our vines. From the morning mist settling over the 110-hectare estate to the golden hues of a summer sunset, witness the raw beauty of the valley that gives our Syrah and Chardonnay their distinct flinty minerality and character.
The Craft – The Art Of Hand-selected Excellence.
Great wine isn’t just grown; it is nurtured. Here, we invite you behind the scenes to witness “The Craft.” These images celebrate the tactile nature of boutique winemaking—from the careful hand-selection of our grapes to the patient 11-month aging process in French Oak. See our team in action as they balance traditional methods with a passion for “Growing Excellence,” ensuring every vintage reflects the druidic spirit of creativity we call Awen.
The Wines – From The Riverbed To Your Glass
This is the culmination of the valley’s soul and the maker’s hand. Explore our portfolio of small-batch, beautifully crafted vintages. Whether it’s the fresh, lively bubbles of our Uccello Sparkling Arneis, the complex citrus tones of the Rangiwhai Chardonnay, or the deep, unfiltered dark fruit aromatics of the Ohiti Gravels Syrah, these images capture the elegance of Kokako Farms.
JB’s Tasting Notes on Kokako Farms New Chardonnay Releases
As well as the following three Chardonnays they also produce a Kokako Farms ‘Ohiti Gravels’ 2024 Syrah (not tasted) and an interesting sparkling too – Uccello Sparkling Arneis which I have tried previously – Arneis is an Italian grape variety – Uccello (uc?cèl?lo) means bird In Italian so in this case, named after the North Island Kokako.
Kokako Farms ‘Rangiwai’ Chardonnay 2024, Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay NZ
In the glass, bright glossy yellow – gold in colour, lighter bodied. In the nose, stone-fruit, peach & lemony citrus aromas, then barrel spice & honey notes. On the palate, juicy stone-fruit, green apple & melon flavours, a zesty, crunchy grape-fruit acidity, fine toasty oak influence & a wee mineral grip. It’s a fresh juicy, citrus-fruit driven wine, with a mouthwatering finish. Yummy Chardonnay, great price! RRP: $25.00
Kokako Farms ‘Arwen’ Chardonnay 2024, Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay NZ
In the glass, shiny bright yellow-gold in colour with ‘nice legs.’ In the nose, immediate notes of smoke & flint, then aromas of ripe peaches, pineapple, butterscotch, toasted nuts & oak spice. On the palate, it’s really juicy with flavours of lemon citrus & yellow fleshed peaches, nectarine, red apples. It’s beautifully textured & weighted with a crisp acidity, creamy mouthfeel & fine oak / mineral grip, delicious concentrated finish, a little warmth from 14% abv. Excellent. RRP: $50.00
AND JUST RELEASED…
Kokako Farms ‘1066’ Chardonnay 2025, Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay NZ
In the glass, shiny clear mid straw – gold in colour, a soft green hue, medium legs. In the nose a hint of smoke, aromas of citrus, apricot & apple then subtle spice notes. On the palate, it’s lightly creamy & concentrated, flavours of stonefruit, peach & apricot are nicley integrated with a zesty tangelo acidity & light toasty fine oak/malo/lees influence, A lingering fresh & juicy finish. Excellent. Note: This has been crafted exclusively from the low yielding Clone 1066 Chardonnay. RRP: $35.00
Visit Kokako Farms: https://kokakofarms.co.nz
